The James Logan Courier

By Beatrice Esteban, Courier Staff Writer
On our trip to Waikiki, my family and I were unaccompanied by extended family members who knew the area, so we were unaccustomed to the streets and places to go. We were walking along Kailana Road looking for a place to eat, and my dad began to make small talk with one of those seemingly-annoying people that pass out fliers. He gave my dad a flier that promised ten percent off breakfast, so we went to try the restaurant.

Due Divino is an Italian restaurant located on Ena Road, near the ABC convenience store. It’s a small little “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant next to a tattoo place. Not exactly what you’d envision for a “nice” breakfast, but my family and I were definitely willing to give it a try.

Upon entering, we already felt like home. The decoration is minimal, with a few ukuleles placed around the restaurant near the windows. The waitress had us sit wherever we liked. Once seated, she immediately gave us menus and offered us beverages, listing off not only fresh-squeezed orange juice, but also guava juice and the house-blend Kona coffee. The coffee here is very good – and this is coming from someone who isn’t the biggest fan of coffee.

The breakfast menu is a mix of local Hawaiian and Italian food, along with your traditional American breakfast items. The breakfast plates and omelets are all served with your choice of home fries or rice and toast. You can also order traditional French toast or have it stuffed with your choice of blueberry, macadamia nut cream, or chocolate chip macadamia nut. You can also order pancakes and waffles, or even a 10” breakfast pizza.

I ordered the “local breakfast” – two slices of Spam and two eggs served with your choice of home fries or rice and toast. I had it with rice and toast and was very pleased when I got my order. Most restaurants tend to skimp out on portions of rice, but I was given a very generous portion of rice. I like my eggs sunny-side up and very runny, which I ordered and was given on my plate. The toast was not the traditional white toast, but rather, well-grilled sourdough. The Spam wasn’t too oily and was very soft – my dad ordered the exact same meal as I did and said that the Spam “nearly melted in [his] mouth.”

My mom ordered a breakfast plate of two eggs and smoked ham, with a side of the regular French toast. Her French toast was also made of sourdough, and she described it as “moist, delicious, and not too sweet.” I had a taste of her home fries and they were also very good, well-boiled and seasoned.

If you stop by here, not only will your stomach and taste buds love you, but your wallet will as well. Breakfast plates range from $4-$13 based on what you order. Our entire meal came up to $30 for five of us. Considering the “tourist prices” we’ve been subject to at other restaurants, it was a nice reprieve to have good food at an affordable and reasonable price.

There was only one waitress when we went, but the restaurant was empty when we came in since it was only eight in the morning. A few people filtered in later, but she was still able to accommodate everyone in the restaurant. She was very cheerful and asked to refill our coffee often. She also offered us another coupon for dinner when we paid. The restaurant seems to appeal to locals because she seemed to be familiar with a couple that walked in a little while later.

If you’re looking for a fancy Italian restaurant, find another restaurant. But if you’re looking for a good local favorite with good local prices, Due Divino is the place for you.